prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
in touch, hard ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden out
steadied start, keen in rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, slightly hampered approaching 1f out, chased winner soon after ran on
towards rear, ridden 3f out, no impression
in touch, kept on one pace from over 1f out
keen, tracking leaders, one pace final 2f
led, ridden when headed over 1f out, soon weakened (hand timed)
Grizedale has dropped to a favourable mark and is fancied to make a bold bid to end the winning streak of Meditation, who is very much respected but has a stiff test under a 6lb penalty; Bold Diktator is also shortlisted as a threat after bouncing back to from at Bath a fortnight ago. Bold Diktator acts well on firm ground and, having brushed aside Meditation when they met here last August, he has to merit closer inspection. However, he is now on a 5lb higher mark and, having been held off this rating before, he looks weighted to the hilt. Meditation has hit form in recent times and is obviously thriving while the sun shines. Nevertheless, her limitations are there for all to see and it will take a good effort from her to carry 10st-2lb to victory tonight. Her rider's 5lb claim does help, but the Inchinor filly still needs to post a career best effort. Therefore, it is worth chancing a small investment in Grizedale, who goes well for Paul Doe, has won over course and distance and comes here on the back of a solid performance at Folkestone at the start of this month. The likelihood of more attractive odds also helps tip the scales in his favour today.
Meditation 13-2 (8-7) Led to over 4f out, stayed tracking leader, ridden over 2f out, led again over 1f out, ran on well, won at Warwick 7f hcap (4) gf beating Whitethorne (8-10) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Curtain Bluff 25-1 (9-11) In touch, headway and switched left 2f out, one pace near finish, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Blue Trojan (9-13) at Chepstow 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Bold Diktator 5-1 (9-5) Prominent, shaken up to lead 1f out, pushed out final furlong, won at Bath 1m hcp 0-70 (5) frm beating Barons Spy (8-7) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Grizedale (IRE) 9-1 (9-1) Raced far side, chased leader, led that pair over 1f out and every chance, ridden and weakened, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Ocean Pride (8-13) at Folkestone 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Hey Presto 20-1 (8-6) Always in rear, ridden over 3f out, 11th of 12, 19l behind Samuel Charles (9-5) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Mythical Charm 6-1 (8-13) Pulled hard, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 6th of 11, 6l behind Burnley Al (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Stamford Blue 6-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, headway on outside and hung left from over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Iced Diamond (8-9) at Brighton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) frm.
Parisi Princess 100-1 (9-5) Always towards rear, struggling over 3f out, last of 15, 33l behind Platinum Charmer (9-9) at Bath 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (6) frm in Jun '05.
